Tech giant Apple is planning to release an adapter that will allow owners of its forthcoming next iPhone smartphone to continue connecting to standard iPhone and iPad accessories.
The new iPhone will go on sale in October with a 19-pin connector instead of the current proprietary 30-pin port.
According to Apple news site iMore, the adapter will also debut in October.
While it is unclear whether the adapter will be bundled with the new smartphone or sold separately, such a development would be a relief for consumers who have bought accessories, such as speaker docks and car kits, to work with their iPhones.
The reason for the smaller connector is because Apple is likely to be aiming the smartphone at the emerging world of 4G LTE communications, as well as allow for NFC-based services and include a bigger battery.
As well as the reduced size connector, the earphone jack is also believed to be positioned at the bottom of the device rather than the top, where it is currently located.
